The Hamas-run health ministry says more than a hundred people were injured in the attack. The aid distributor said the reports were "false".

Over 170 others were wounded on the way to a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution point in Rafah in the deadliest incident tied to a new U.S.-backed aid mechanism.

Rescuers and residents say Israeli tanks opened fire on a crowd, but the aid distributor said reports were false.

Dozens were feared dead and scores wounded Sunday after the Israel Defense Forces opened fire on a group receiving food from a collection point in the Gaza Strip, according to hospital officials and witnesses on the ground. The reports were vigorously denied by the organization charged with distributing aid.

Organizers say climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and other 11 activists set sail on Sunday afternoon for Gaza on a ship aimed at “breaking Israel’s siege” of the devastated territory.

Health officials and multiple witnesses in Gaza say at least 31 people have been killed and over 170 wounded while on their way to receive food aid.

A dozen civilians carrying aid have set sail for Gaza, after activists accused Israel of bombing a similar mission in international waters last month.

The Israeli military on Sunday accused Hamas of spreading 'rumors, fake news' and trying to "bluntly and violently" stop Palestinians in Gaza from reaching aid distribution sites.

The new operation is intended to bypass both the United Nations and Hamas, but aid groups say even if it works as intended, it is dangerously inadequate.

"Starving people will not let a food truck pass. They need to feed their families", the World Food Programme said.